MALICE IN BLUNDERLAND

OK, so "no rules have been broken," and so we`re supposed to conclude that that`s alright then. But the seemingly endless litany of outcries about MPs and Lords` expenses and allowances goes unchecked. The latest episode concerned Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, who has been claiming £22,000 a year for a second home allowance whilst living in a room in her sister`s London residence, leaving her husband and children to reside in the family home in Redditch. Oh, and Ms. Smith`s husband, one Mr. Timney, apparently receives £40,000 a year for acting as her `parliamentary adviser.` Oh, and Ms Smith, as Home Secretary, is entitled to a grace and favour free home in London, which she has chosen not to take up - I wonder why?

Now, I accept that being Home Secretary is one of the principal offices of state and, as such, deserves proper reward for the responsibility of the office. But the salary of £142,000, along with the `usual` salary and expenses for being an MP would seem to suggest that the Smith/Timney family are doing very nicely, thank you - especially in these dark economic times. I`ve no problem with that, but I do find it difficult to accept that the Home Secretary, responsible for law enforcement in this country, should also be willing to stretch the morality of the allowances system to its limits by claiming for a room in her sister`s house as her `main residence` and employing an `adviser`who happens to be her husband. It doesn`t look good.

But I think my biggest grumble is that, even if "no rules have been broken," it`s useful to remember that it is the MPs themselves who made the rules. That doesn`t look good either.

Time for a sort out, I think.